DAVIDE RACCA
Automedon – The Performative Book by Davide Racca
The Context
Collaborating with Davide Racca on Automedon meant diving into a project that is not just a book but an extension of his performative practice. The goal was to create an object that reflects the essence of his work: fluid, hybrid, and free from the conventional limits of contemporary art.
The Approach
We worked to balance two identities: that of an art book, meticulously crafted, and that of an artist’s book, which exists as an integral part of the artwork itself. Every choice was made to reflect the visual and conceptual coherence of Automedon, without ever becoming pretentious.
Design Choices
• Unique format: With an unconventional size (21 x 10 cm), the book breaks away from international standards, emphasizing its independent character.
• Binding without binding: The book is composed of loose cards, encouraging a free and fluid reading experience.
• Pearly 300g paper: The texture and finish of the paper add depth to the photographs of the armor used in the performance, making each image feel almost three-dimensional.
• Visual language: Minimal yet never simplistic, the Gambarino typeface—nodding to medieval aesthetics and tribal elements—supports the work without overshadowing it.
Key Strengths
• Hybridization: The book doesn’t merely document the work; it becomes a part of it. The fusion of art book and artist’s book creates a unique object that engages both the audience and the space.
• Visual coherence: A refined yet accessible aesthetic avoids unnecessary embellishments, allowing Davide’s work to speak with its authentic voice.
• Materiality: The choice of paper and the absence of binding make the object tactile and inviting to explore.
The Result
Automedon is not a book to be passively flipped through—it’s an experience to be explored. Each card invites reflection and discovery, presenting the performance in a new, tangible form. The final object is a dialogue between the artist, the work, and the audience, not merely documenting but amplifying the meaning of Racca’s performance.
Conclusion
The collaboration on Automedon exemplifies how design and content can merge to create something that goes beyond traditional publishing. This is a project where form doesn’t simply follow function but becomes an integral part of it.
